Learn How to Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

To say that a small bathroom is a problem is, well, problematic. It's not exactly the number one deal-breaker when it comes to choosing a place to live, and they can be quite cute—not to mention it's entirely possible to make small bathrooms feel bigger and brighter than they really are. And no, you won't have to spend a zillion dollars to carve a window into the wall (or call on something heinous, like glass bricks). These small-bathroom designs go beyond making the most of the available space and prove that bold design elements can be right at home in even the tiniest rooms. We turned to the experts to find out their favorite ways to turn powder rooms, half-baths, and just little tiny (sometimes windowless) bathrooms into less cramped, more enjoyable situations.

1. Use Dark Paint

Wait, what? "Oftentimes I like to paint small bathrooms (typically windowless rooms) a dark color, like black. It gives depth and creates an illusion of a larger space," says Jenny Wolf of Jenny Wolf Interiors. "Go with a high-gloss in a superdark color," advises Fleming James of Oliver Street Design. The hue will simultaneously impart a big-night-sky effect and also bounce the little light you have around the space. (Doing so will also draw attention to the light fixtures, she points out, so you'll need to choose them thoughtfully—bulbs that bring in plenty of light, shapes you don't mind being pretty pronounced.)

In Gilles Mendel's Manhattan apartment, the bath's vanity is granite, and the black towels are by Calvin Klein Home.

Joshua McHugh

2. Mirror a Wall

Rather than just hanging one above the vanity, consider mirroring a whole wall of your tiny bathroom—the reflection of light and pattern (and, sometimes, that open door) will do the same good work a window does.

Even with a bold marble, this bath by Joanne de Guardiola and Jon Bannenberg feels very open thanks to the mirrored upper half.

William Waldron

3. Try a Large-Scale Wall Covering

While you might think you need to go for a petite motif, it's actually better to go big. "Medium- and large-scale wallpapers and tile patterns can actually make a space feel larger," James explains. Whether you choose big tiles or an even bigger pattern is up to you; she says they'll both "give an illusionary scale in tight quarters."

The powder room of a house in Monte Carlo features Dornbracht fittings and Phillip Jeffries wallpaper.

Photo: Simon Watson

4. Give the Curtain a Lift

If you have the luxury of choosing where your shower curtain goes, James says to "take the fabric all the way up" past the usual height of the tub. "Extending the curtain nearly to the ceiling will certainly elongate the walls," she says, admitting that the taller your ceiling in the bathroom, the more this will help.

5. Or Opt for a Glass Door

If you're starting from scratch, consider scrapping the curtain entirely. "I also recommend glass shower doors in a small bath, as it will help to open up the space," Wolf says. The slightly more adventurous might even consider no shower door at all (a good drain is wise in that case).

Glass mosaics, seen in the mirror, decorate the master bath in a contemporary London residence.

Andrew Twort

Inspiration for the glass shower door of your dreams, courtesy of a Jenny Wolf–designed space.

Emily Gilbert

6. Backlight the Mirror

"This can be a chic and modern way to amplify light," James says, "if you do not have room for sconces or simply want a more minimalistic look."

7. Keep the Floor Clear

Covering the floor with a vanity or storage containers can create a cramped space—not to mention tripping hazards. A pedestal or floating sink keeps the floor clear, and installing floating storage will help keep everything you need at arm's length.

A pedestal sink keeps a slim profile in the bathroom of Elizabeth Locke's Virginia home.

Joshua McHugh

8. Take On Tile

Tile is a durable way to add impact and can be used from floor to ceiling. "For smaller bathroom walls, we like to specify ceramic tiles that are small in size," says Suzanne McGrath of the design firm McGrath II. The designer is a fan of using one-by-four and two-by-six floor tiles—which are also less expensive—on bathroom walls.

9. Choose Compact Pieces

While hulking vanities and blocky tubs may look at home in a larger bathroom, they can make a small bathroom feel claustrophobic. Install compact toilets and sinks or consider floating versions to open up the space. If a tub is a must, consider a Japanese soaking tub to add serenity without taking up square footage.

10. Install a Pocket Door

While this trick is a little more labor-intensive, replacing your door with a pocket door that tucks away into the wall can open up room for additional storage. You'll just need to find another spot to hang your towels.

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